Electrical switch



Feb. 17, 1942. A. SALTER ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed July 15, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet l 1942. A. L. SALTER ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed July 15, 1940 4 Shets-Sheet 2 1 w mww n w 2 0 a mvw a Feb. 17, 1942. A. L. SALTER 2,273,764

ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed July 15, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet s l as 5 49a Zlwumtop Feb. 17, 1942. A. L. SALTER 2,273,764

ELECTRICAL SWITCH Filed July 15, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig; 75, 76, 9? 17. 96 E as 67. 2 26 s1 79 .96 J v 2: I

F46} Q6 +i l l a9 91 r 2 u w 4 3 3f hi 6o Patented Feb. 17, 1942 UNITED PATENT OFFICE t ,;{2I,27::,764 v uppermost. swrron sear; Salter, Johnston, s. o. Application July- 1 5 ,1940, Serial No. 345,622-

' I 21 ciaims. ,(cl. 200-116) My invention relates to electric switches for lines and transformers and the like. 1

An important objectof the invention is to mg a latch device which is released by the thermo-trip element and which latch device is automatically locked when the switch drops to the lowered position, whereby the switch may be restored to its normal operative position .by the use of a pole.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch of the above mentioned character, the resetting of which will not necessitate the operator climbing the usual pole and passing between high tension or dangerous wires. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch of the above mentioned character which is of simplified construction and which may be manufactured cheaply.

A further object of the invention is to provide a switch of the above mentioned character which is operated by a thermo-trip element without the use of a thermo-fusible element, whereby the line may be better coordinated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a thermo-trip element in the form of a bimetal I strip that controls the capacity of the current allowed to pass over the line and which may be automatic means for preventing arcing, when thecircuit is opened by .the switch, upon a short circuit or overload.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for enclosing or housing the operating parts of the switch, when it is closed, thus protecting the same from the elements and also serving as a safety factor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a housing for the switch which will not interfere with the proper operation of the switch.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course .of the fol* lowing description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application andnin which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of aswitch embodying my invention, showing the same in the raised closed position, J

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the latch device released. and the pivoted support turned with respect to the body of the switch, which is somewhat lowered,

Figure 31s a similar view, showing the body of the switch dropped to the lowered vertical position and the latch device reset,

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the switch device, showing the latch in the locked position,

Figure 5 is alongitudinal section taken on line 5-5 of Figure 4,

Figure 6 is a similar view taken on line 6-6 of Figure 5, v

Figure '7 is a plan view of the upper contact and associated elements, parts omitted.

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 5,

Figure 9 is a similar view takenon line 89 of Figure 5,

Figure 10 is a similar view taken on line lO-IO of Figure 5,

Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical section taken on line ll| of Figure 5, v

Figure 12 is a side elevation of a switch embodying a modified form of my invention, showing the same in the raised closed position,

Figure 13 is a similar view,.showing the latch Figure 14 is a similar view, showing the body portion of the switch dropped to the lowered vertical position and the-latch device reset,

Figure 15 is a front elevation, showing the switch in the raised closed position and the housing closed,

Figure 16 is a similar view of the housing shown in vertical section,

ceases 23.

Figure 17 is a vertical section taken on line wardly beyond the sleeve 25. The lever 45 is iI-ll of Figure 16, parts omitted,

Figure 18 is a horizontal section taken on line Figure 19 is a similar view taken on line il9 of Figure 12,

.Figure 20 isi similar view taken on line 20-25 of Figure 42, and,

an inclined insulator, suitably mounted. upon a,

pole by a bracket I] or the like. Mounted upon the upper end of the insulator II is a terminal il, formed of metal, while a terminal it formed of metal is mounted upon the lower end of the insulator. v upper terminal l1 and terminal.

Suitablyseeuredtothe'upperterminal "is a resilient stationary metal contact 2|, which is forked for providing spaced arms 22 having re- Attached to-the lower terminal I! is a metal bracket 24, which isforked for providing-spaced arms 25 carrying hooked ends or knuckles 25. v

The numeral 21' designates the body portion of the switch, which is formed of insulating the load 24 with the lower pivotally mounted upon the bolt 35. The lever 48 swings in a vertical plane at a right angle to the swinging movement of the body portion upon the pivots 44. The lower portion of the lever 46 slidably engages with a part of the shank 5i and the lever is provided at its lower end with a lateral extension or tooth 45, extending longitudinally of the pivots 44 or at a right angle to the swinging movement of the yoke 22. The tooth 45 has a forward inclined face 45 and a rear inclined face 50. The rear inclined face II is adapted to engage with a forward inclined face ll of a stationary ing 52, formed integral with one side 4| while the inclined face 45 is adapted to engage with the rear inclined face 55. ,it is obvious that when the tooth 45 is held between the lug 52 and the shank 21 and the hook II engages the web 45, that the The line II is connected with the 'go sleeve 55 cannot turn in either direction with resp ct to th yoke. A slight retractile coil spring 54 is nnected with the upper portion of the lever 45, and serves tor/swing the upper end of the lever to the left, Figure 6, and its a lower end to. the right, so that tooth 45 will enmaterial. The body portion 21 has a reduced upper extension to which is secured by screws 25 or the like a metal cap III. This metal cap Base behind lug .52.

The numeral 55 designates a bimetal thermotrip element, formed of two metals having differ:

ent coeiiicients of expansion. The ends of this U-shaped thermo-trip element are detachably clamped to stationary brackets 58, mounted upon has formed integral therewith a forwardly pro- 5 is provided, which s risidlvmcunted upon the iecting head ll, carrying a horizontal transverse metal pin 22. The cap 55 has a ring 55, preferably formed integral therewith and this ring is arranged opposite of and remote from the head u. The pin a: is adapted for contact with the d y sec thereto, d operating bearms 22. At its lower end, the body portion ing a metal sleeve 35, securely attached thereto by means of a bolt or pin 35 orany other suitthermo-trip element and thoroughly electrically insulated therefrom, the strips 55 being insulated mica strips. The lever is provided at its upper end with a lateral extension or dog neath the U-shaped thermo-trip element 55 and arranged inwardly of the stop element 51, Figure 10.

The numeral designates a wire, passing able means. The metal sleeve 35 has a depend- 45 through an opening GI, and electrically connecting shank 21 carrying a fo'rwardly facing upturned hook 35.

The numeral 39 "designates a supporting yoke, having a forwardly facing up-turned hook 40.

The yoke 38 has sides, which are provided so at their lower ends and adjacent to their rear edges with trunnions or pivots 42, integral therewith. These trunnions or pivots 42 are pivotally mounted within the hooks or bearings 25.

The upper ends of the sides 4| are apertured,

as shown at 48, to pivotally receive pivot elements or trunnions 44, rigidly secured to the sleeve 35., Particular attention is called to the fact that the contact pin '32 is disposed oilcenter' or to one side of the pivots 44 and 42 00 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body portion 21. The contact pin 22 is normally held within the recesses 25 and the yielding or resilient contact 2| exerts a downward force upon the pin 52 and body portion 21, tending to turn the yoke 35 upon its pivots 42.

The hook 55 is arranged to engage with the web 45 of the yoke 25 and thereby prevent the sleeve 55 from turning clockwise, Figure 5, with respect to the yoke. A latch device is provided which normally prevents the sleeve 55 from turning counter-clockwise with respect to the yoke 55, Figure 5. This latch device comprises a lever 45, which is generally vertical and extends through an opening 41, and projects downpasses through contact 2|, pin 32, wire 65,

through U-shaped thermo-trip element 55, through wire 52, through sleeve 35, yoke 39 and bracket 24 to the load 20. The resilient contact 2| is exerting a downward force upon the pin 32 in a direction longitudinally of the body portion 21, and since the trunnions 42 are disposed oif-center or laterally of th pin 32, the yoke 39 will turn clockwise, Figure 1, upon its trunnions 42, if not held against such turning movement. The slight turning of the yoke 54 clockwise upon its trunnions 42 causes the inclined face 5| to act upon the inclined face 52. which will tend to turn the lever 45 upon its pivot 36 so that the dog 59 will engage the stop element 51. The lever 46 is therefore normally held against any considerable turning movement upon its pivot 36 so that inclined faces 5| and 53 cannot disengage. Whenever a short circuit trip element 55 cools and straightens out so that is opened.

or overload occurs, the current heats the thermotrip element 55 beyond the normal temperature and this thermo-trip element bends upwardly whereby the stop element 51 is elevated out of the path of travel of the forward end of the dog 59. The downward-pressure of the resilient contact 2| now acting upon'the pin 32 is transmitted to the body portion 21, and the yoke .39 will turn its trunnions 42 and the sleeve will turn upon" its pivots 44, softhat the yoke will break with respect to the body portion or turn clockwisewith relation thereto, Figure'2, where- ,by the body portion 21 is lowered. This will bring the pin 32 to an elevation well beneath the arms 23, while th inclined face 49 is in advance of the inclined face 53. The body portion now drops to the lowered vertical position, Figure 3, and the body portion and yoke 39 assume a position at a straight angle with relation to each other and the inclined face 49 will ride over the inclined face 53, since the lever 46 is free to turn upon'its pivot 36 except for the opposition of theslight spring 54, which is now overcome. The tooth 48 again locks behind the The circuit being open, the thermothe stop element 51 is again in advance of the free end of the dog 59, and the yoke 39 is again locked against turning movement in both directions with respect to the sleeve 35. The operator may stand on the ground and insert a pole in the ring 33 and swing the body portion 21 to the raised position so that the pin 32will again engage beneath the contact arms 22 and enter the recess 23 whereby the circuit is again closed through the switch, as explained. When the switch is used on a line or transformer of a low minimum voltage it isunnecessary to use any devices for preventing arcing. However, when major portion of the construction is identical with that shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention.

In these figures, 12 to 21 inclusive, the numeral 63 designates a housing formed of electrical insulating. material and which is also waterproof. This. housing is vertical and includes a back 64, sides 65, top 66, while its front and bottom are open. The housing is to be rigidly mounted upon a pole or the like. The front of the housing is covered or closed by a door 61, formed of insulating materiahwhich should also be waterproof and having an eye 61.

The top 66 of the housing may preferably be slightly inclined to shed water and arranged beneath this top, within the housing, are horizontal blocks 68, of insulating material and whichv are preferably formed integral with the top. The rear ends of these blocks are spaced from the back 64 to provide a recess 69 to receive a transverse electrical conductor-bar 18 held in place by a screw H This electrical conductor-bar is provided at itsbpposite ends with screw-threaded sockets 12, for connection with a terminal screw 13 for connection with the line 14. The terminal screw 13 may thus be connected with either end of the. electrical conductor-bar 19. The blocks 68 have their inner faces spaced and these inner faces are vertical and, are longitudinally inclined in a horizontal direction and diverge forwardly providing a forwardly diverging chamber I5.

' This forwardly diverging chamber receives therethe switch is used upon lines or transformers 40 of high capacity suitable means will be employed to prevent arcing at the instant that the circuit The thermo-trip element 55 may have any selected rated amperage capacity and therefore the thermo-trip element will bend upwardly to release the dog 59, should the flow of current through the sam b increased above its selected .rated amperage capacity, as caused by a permanent overload or a short circuit, where y the switch will automatically open the circuit. My switch will open the circuit upon a short circuit as well as an overload and since it does not provide a thermo-fusible element no such element need be replaced before again closing the switch. The latch device automatically relocks itself ,when the body portion of the switch reaches the lowermost vertical position and it is only necessary for the operator to insert a pole or the like in the ring 33 and swing the bodisportion to the uppermost position. This saves time in reclosing the switch and eliminates the clanger of a service man having to climb between dangerous lines. The thermo-trip element that controls the capacity of the current allowed to ing of the bimetal thermo-trip element does not weaken the same below its rated capacity.

Attention is now called to the second form of the invention shown in Figures 12 to 21 inclusive. In this second form of the invention the '10. front edges of the sides 65 and form stops for the upper end of thedoor 61 so that this door in a pair of resilient contacts 16, which are longitudinally curved and have their free ends resting upon the inner faces of the blocks 68 and their rear ends rigidly mounted upon and in electrical connection with the electrical conductor-bar The blocks 68 terminate inwardly of the is flush with the front edges of the sides when the door is closed.

Arranged immediately below the resilient contacts I6. is an arc extinguishing means, comprising a pair of reciprocatory plates TI, having inner edges 18, tapered or rounded attheir forward ends while the rear portions of these edges are straight so that they are adapted to engage and cover the resilient contacts 16. The plates 11 are formed of electrical insulating material and are mounted to slide horizontally in a transverse direction in stationary guides 19 and are urged inwardly by bow-springs 88, as shown. These insulating plates Hare arranged immediately beneath the resilient. contacts 16, as clearly shown in Figure 13.

Arranged within the upper portion of the housing are downwardly operating leaf-springs 8|, having raised sockets 82. The forward ends of these leaf-springs are preferably securedto theforward ends of the blocks 68, as shown at 83, and the rear ends of the leaf-springs are preferably connected with retractile coil springs -are arranged near the sides 65, as shown.

Arranged within the lower end of the housing 63 are socket-bearings 85, facing upwardly and preferably inclined forwardly. These socketbearings are rigidly mounted upon the sides 65 by screws 86 or the like. These socket-bearings Y are formed of metal and are in electrical engagement with a metal U-shaped electrical con- In the second form or the invention the same insulated body portion 21 is used, having the reduced ends 28 and 34. The body portion isrigid- 1y held within sleeves or clamps 92 and 83, which are in turn rigidly mounted'upon the inner face I of the door 61.

a metallic cap 94, corresponding to the cap 30 in the first form of the invention. This metallic cap carries an L-shaped contact blade 95, preferably integral therewith. The vertical arm 98 of the contact blade is adapted to pass between the resilient contacts 16 and to have electrical engagement therewith and the vertical arm is provided at its top with an extension 91, tapering upwardly, togradually reduce the contact area between the contact blade and the resilient contacts 13, when the contact blade drops. The contact blade is provided with a transverse horizontal pin 88, rigidly secured thereto and this pin is arranged to engage the leaf-springs 8i and to enter the upwardly bulging sockets 82.

The same sleeve is mounted upon the lower reduced end 34 and carries the dependingshank 31 having the forwardly facing up-turned hook 4!. The same supporting yoke 39 is used which pivotally supports the sleeve 35. The trunnions 42 of the yoke 38 are pivotally mounted within the socket-bearings 85. The same means are provided for holding the body portion 21 from turning upon the pivots 44 of the yoke 39, including the lever 46, jaw 49, and jaw 52. The same means is provided to hold the lever 48 against movement which would release the yoke 39, including the dog 59, stop element 51, and bimetal thermo-trip element 56. The same spring 54 is used. These elements are all identical with the corresponding elements shown and described in connection with the first form of the invention and it is thought to be 1111118065'.

sary to again describe them in detail. The operation is identical; The same wire 80 is employed to. electrically connect one arm of the thermo-trip element 58 with the sleeve 94 and the same wire 62 is employed to connect the other arm of the thermo-trip element 55 with the sleeve 3|.

The operation oi the second form of the invention is as follows:

The lever 48 and associated elements and the hook II serve to lock the body portion 21 against turning movement with respect tothe yoke '39,

in both directions, upon the pivots u. I'Inder these conditions the door 01 is swung to the upper substantially vertical closed positi n; the yoke II turning upon the trunnions 42. The pins II will engage the leaf-springs II which will yield and the pins will then enter the sockets I! and be held therein. Attention is called to the fact that the pins 8. are arranged oi'I-center or to one side of the pivots 44 and 42. Figure 12. As long as the yoke remains locked to the sleeve ll by the action of the lever 40, the

The reduced portion 28 carries" 2,978,764 ductor-bar 81, Figure 20, and this bar is secured held within the sockets u, the springs in exerting a downward pressure upon the pins. Upon a short circuit or overload, the thermo-trip element II will bend upwardly" and the dog I! will clear the stop element 61, as described in connection with the first term of the invention. The body portion 21 will then swing counterclockwise with respect to the yoke 39, and the body portion 21 and door 01 will drop, as shown in Figure 13. v The contact blade will be.withdrawn from engagement with the resilient contacts 16, and the arcing will be extinguished by the closing of the plates 11,'which occurs instantaneously upon the withdrawal or the contact blade 95 from beneath the same. The body portion 21 and door 81 will now swing outwardly and downwardly to assume the lowered vertical position, Figure 14, and the yoke 39. will again become locked to the sleeve 35. The body portion 11 and door 81 may again be returned to the raised closed position by the insertion of a pole into the eye 81'. whereby the switch will again close the circuit.

' While I have shown the circuit as being closed,

in the first form of the invention through the springs 21- and pins 12, yet I contemplate employing the contact blade 95 and resilient contacts 1' in connection with the first form of the invention.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of. parts. may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, claim is:

1. In a switch 01! the character described, a body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient contact to engage the contact element and exert a downward force thereon longitudinally of the body portion, a support, a member pivotally mountedupon the sup port and pivotally connected with the body portion, a releasable latch device to hold the body portion for turning upon its pivotal connection with the member, means to normally hold the latch device against releasing action and to release the latching device for releasing action upon a short circuit or overload, said means including a bimetal thermostatic element adapted/to move when heated without fusing, and means for permanently electrically connecting one end of the thermostatic element with the contact element and permanently .electrically connecting the other end of said thermostatic element with the member so that the current passes through the thermostatic element to heat the same and cause its movement. x 2. In a switch of the character described, a b dy portion, a contact element mounted upon what I the body portion and adapted to be engaged by body portion 21 and door 01 cannot swing outwardly and downwardly since the pins ll are a resilient contact which exerts a downward force thereon longitudinally of the body portion, a member pivotally mounted upon the body portion and adapted to be pivotally supported, a releasable latch device to hold the body portion from turning upon its pivotal connection with the member. said latch device including a movable part, a bimetal thermostatic element having a stop element normally; arranged in the path oi travel oi said movable part, the thermostatic element moving in one direction .when heated beyond a selected temperature without fusing and moving the stop element out of the path of travel of said part, and means for permanently electrically connecting one 'end of the thermostatic elementwith the contact element and pennanently electrically connecting the opposite end of said bimetal thermostatic element with said member so that the current passes through the thermostatic element to heat the same.

3. In a switch of the character described, a body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient contact to engage the contact element and exert a force thereon longitudinally of the body portion, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the body portion, a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion, a stop element mounted upon said member to engage with the lever, a bimetal thermo-trip element mounted upon the body portion and carrying a stop element to engage with said lever, and means electrically connecting the thermo-trip element with the contact element and said member.

4. In a switch of the character described, a I

body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient contact to engage the contact element and exert a force thereon longitudinally of the body portion, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the'body portion, a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion to swing in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of the member with relation to the body portion, said lever being provided with an inclined face, a stop element carried by the member and arranged to engage the'inclined face, a bimetal thermo-tri'p element mounted upon the bodyportion and having a stop element arranged in the path of travel of the lever, and means to electrically connect the thermotrip element with the contact element and said member.

5. In a switch of the character described, a body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient contact to engage the contact element, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the body portion, a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion to swing in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of the member with relation to the body portion, said lever having a part provided with oppositely arranged beveled faces, a stop element mounted upon the member to engage with the beveled faces, a thermo-trip element which will bend when overheated mounted upon the body portion and having a stop element normally arranged in the path of travel of the lever, and means to electrically connect the thermotrip element with the contact element and said member.

6. In a switch of the character described, a body portion. a contact element mounted upon the upper end of the body portion, a resilient contact to enga e the contact element and exert a downward force thereon longitudinally of the body portion. a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the low r end of the body portion at a point which is ofi-center with respect to the contact element. a lever extendin longitudinally of the body portion and pivotally mounted upon the body p rtion to swing in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of a the member with relation to thebody portion,

oppositely arranged beveled faces, a stop element mounted upon said member and projecting into the path of travel of said beveled faces, a spring to move the lever in one direction so that the beveled faces are disposed in alignment with the stop element, a thermo-trip element which will bend when overheated mounted upon the body portion and having a stop element normally arranged inthe path of travel of the upper portion of the lever, and means to electrically connect the thermo-trip element with the contact element and said member.

'7. In a switch of the character described, an insulating body portion, a cap mounted upon the upper end of the body portion and provided with a contact element, a resilient contact to engage the contact element and exert a downward force thereon longitudinally of the body portion, a second cap mounted upon the lower end of the body portion and having a shank, a support, a yoke pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the second cap at a point offcenter with respect to the contact element, said shank having a part to engage with a part of the yoke to prevent the second cap from turning in one direction with relation to the yoke, means to prevent the second cap from turning 'in an opposite direction with relation to the yoke in cluding a lever extending longitudinally of the body portion and pivotally mounted thereon to swing in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of the yoke with respect to the second cap, said lever being provided near its lower end with a pair of oppositely arranged beveled faces, a stop element mounted upon the yoke and having a pair of oppositely arranged beveled faces arranged in the path of travel of the first named beveled faces when the lever is in the holding position, a spring to move the lever toward the holding position, a thermotrip element adapted to bend when overheated mounted upon the body portion and having a stop element arranged in the path of travel of the upper end of the lever, and means to electrically connect the thermo-trip element with the first and second namedcaps.

8. In a switch of the character described, a supporting member mounted to swing, a body portion pivotally mounted upon the swinging supporting member, means for holding the body portion against swinging movement with relat on to the supporting member, said means including a pivoted lever mounted tomove in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of the supporting member with relation to the body portion, and electrical means mounted upon the body portion for controlling the movement of said lever.

9. In a switch of the character described, a member mounted to swing, a body portion pivotally mounted upon the member, an element carried by the body portion and engaging said member to hold the body portion against tuming movement in one direction with relation to the member, means for holding the body portion against turning movement in an opposite direction with relation to said member, said means including a pivoted lever mounted to move in a plane at substantially a right angle to the plane of movement of the supporting member with relation to the body portion, an electrical means mounted upon the body portion for controlling the movement of said lever.

l0. Ina switch of the character described, a

said lever being provided near its lower end withbody portion.

' blade when body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient element to move the body portion in one direction, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotalLv connected with the body portion, a releasable latch device to normally hold the body portion from turning upon its pivot with relation to the member, a bimetal thermostatic element for controlling the operation of the latch device and adapted to bend when heated body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a resilient element to exert a force upon the body portion, a support, a. member pivotally mounted upon the'support and pivotally connected with the body portion, a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion, a stop element mounted upon said member to engage with the lever. a bimetal thermo-trip' element mounted upon the body portion and having a stop element to engage with said lever, and means electrically connecting the thermo-trip element with the contact element and said member.

12. In a switch of the character described, a portion, a contact element mounted upon me body portion, a resilient element to exert a Force upon the body portion tending to move the same to the open position, a support, a member tivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the body portion, a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion to swing in a plane at substantially a right angle to the giiane of movement of the member with relation to the body portion, said lever having a part prosided with oppositely arranged beveled faces, a stop element mounted upon the member to engage with the beveled faces, a thermo-trip element which will bend when overheated mounted ,upon the body portion and having a stop element normally arranged in the path of travel of the lever, and means to electrically connect the thermo-trip element with the contact and said member. J

13. In a switch of the character described, a. body portion,

a pin carried by the body portion, a contact element to be engaged by 'the contact the body portion is in the closed resilient means engaging the pin and urging the body portion toward the open position, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the body portion, means to prevent the body portion from turning in one direction with relation to the member including a lever pivotally mounted upon the body portion, said lever being provided with a pair of oppositely arranged beveled faces, a stop element mounted upon said member to engage said beveled faces, a spring to move the lever toward the holding position, a thermo-trip element adapted to bend when overheated mounted upon the body portion and having a stop element arranged in the path of position,

travel or said lever, and means to electrically a contact blade mounted upon the portion, a contact blade connect the thermo-trip element with the contact blade and said member.

14. In a switch or the character described, a body portion having an engaging part and a contact blade, a stationary contact to engage and disengage the contact blade, resilient means engaging said engaging part and serving to urge the body portion toward the open position, a self-closing arc extinguishing device arranged adjacent to the stationary contact and closing when the contact blade is moved from the arc extinguishing device, a support, a member pivotally mounted upon the support and pivotally connected with the body portion, means to hold the body portion from turning in one direction upon its pivot with relation to said member including a pivoted lever, means including a thermo-trip element for controlling the movement of the lever, means for connecting the thermo-trip element with the contact blade, and means for connecting the thermo-trip element with said member.

15. In a switch of the character described, a housing having one side open, a stationary contact mounted within the housing, a self-closing ar'c extinguishing device arranged adjacent to the stationary contact and including a pair of A oppositely arranged plates, a body portion, a

door carrying the body portion and adapted to close the open side of the housing, a member pivotally mounted upon the housing and pivotally connected with the body portion, means to prevent the body portion from turning upon its pivot with relation to the member, including a lever pivoted upon the body portion, means to control the movement of the lever including a thermo-trip element mounted upon the body portion, a contact blade mounted-upon the body portion and movable between the plates of the arc extinguishing device into engagement with the stationary contact, a resilient elementhaving a socket, and a pin carried by the body portion to engage the resilient element and enter the socket.

16. In a switch of the character described, a housing, a pair of stationary contacts mounted within the housing, a guide arranged beneath and adjacent to the stationary contacts, reciprocatory plates mounted within the guide and adapted when closed to cover the contacts, springs to shift the plates to the closed position, a body mounted upon the body portion to pass between the plates and engage between the stationary contacts, spring means to move the body portion from the stationary contacts, a member pivotally mounted upon the housing and pivotally connected with the body portion, means to prevent the body portion from turning upon its pivot in one direction with relation to the member including a lever pivoted upon the body portion, means for controlling the movement of the lever including a thermo-trip element, means to connect the thermo-trip element with the contact blade, and means to connect the thermo-trip element with said member the body portion, means controlling the swinging movement of the body portion upon its pivot with relation to the member including a, thermo-trip element, resilient means to shift the body portion from the stationary contact, means to electrically connect the thermo-trip element and contact blade, and a wire connected with the thermo-trip element and having connection with the pivoted member. I

18. In a switch of the character described, a housing, a conductor-bar mounted within the housing and having its ends arranged adjacent to the opposite sides of the housing, said ends having means for connection with a terminal connection, a stationary contact connected with the conductor-bar, a generally U-shaped conductorbar mounted within the housing beneath the first named conductor-bar and provided at its ends with bearings, said U-shaped conductor-bar being provided in its sides with elements for engagement with a terminal connection, a body portion mounted within the housing, a contact blade mounted upon the body portion and arranged to engage with the stationary contact, a member having pivot elements engaging in the bearings and pivotally connected with the body portion, means to control the swinging movement of the body portion. upon its pivot in one direction with relation to the member including a pivoted lever, means to control the movement of the pivoted lever including a thermo-trip element, means to electrically connect the contact blade and. thermo-trip element, a wire connected with the thermo-trip element and connected with saidmember, and resilient means to move the body portion from the stationary contact.

19. In a switch of the character described, a

' body portion having an engaging part and a con tact blade, a stationary contact to engage and disengage the contact blade, resilient means engaging said engaging part, a self-closing arc extinguishing device arranged adjacent to the stationary contact and closing when the contact blade is moved from the arc extinguishing device, a support, means pivotally connecting the body portion with the support, means to hold the body portion against swinging movement in one direction upon the pivot means, means including a thermostatic element for controlling the action of the holding means, means for connecting the thermostatic element with the contact blade, and means for connecting the thermostatic element with the pivot means.

20. In a switch of the character described, a housing having one side open, a stationary contact mounted within the housing, a self-closing arc extinguishing device arranged adjacent to the stationary contact and including a pair of oppositely arranged plates, a body portion, a door carrying the body portion and adapted to close the open side of the housing, means for pivotally mounting the body portion upon the housing, means to prevent the body portion from turning in one direction upon the pivot means, means including a thermostatic element, a contact blade mounted upon the body portion and movable between the plates of the arc extinguishing device into engagement with the stationary contact, a resilient element, a part carried by the body portion to engage the resilient element. means to electrically connect the thermostatic element with the contact blade, and means to electrically connect the thermostatic element with the pivot means.

21. In a switch of the character described, a body portion, a contact element mounted upon the body portion, a coacting contact element to engage the first named contact element, means to pivotally support the body portion so that it may move to an open position to break the en gagement between the contact elements, releasable means to hold the body portion against turning movement in one direction upon the pivot means, a bimetal thermostatic element mounted upon the body portion to control the action of the releasable means and adapted to move when heated without fusing, means for permanently electrically connecting one end of the bimetal thermostatic element with the contact element carried by the body portion, and means for permanently electrically connecting the other end of the bimetal thermostatic element with the Pivot means, the arrangement being such that the current passes through the bimetal thermostatic element upon a short circuit and upon an overload.

AVERY L. SALTER. 

